NEN Gallery

This plant is very abundant and has over 70 common names. It grows on pastures and dry grassland throughout Britain. Its solid stems arise from a woody rootstock. Flowers are carried at stalk heads. It has three leaflets grouped together and another two below close to the stem. It has yellow flowers often with red and orange streaks, which has resulted in its other most common name -'Bacon-and-eggs'. The seed pods resemble a bird's claw. They twist and split to release the seeds. Pollination is usually by Bees. The plant flowers from May to September. Picture taken 22nd May 2009 at Old Warden Railway Cutting, Bedfordshire.